be refreshed

Even though we may be sitting in a crowd, we can still feel alone. Even though our holiday season may be filled with parties and business, we may still feel isolated. It was interesting in our Monday night Bible study this week we looked at Acts 3. In it, the passage says a guy was placed outside the temple everyday to beg. This brought to mind that he probably saw Jesus walk by a few times, in the past months and years. But on this day he was healed by Peter. God had waited until this day to heal him. God Himself, in Jesus, saw this man, but waited to heal him until the Holy Spirit healed him that day, via Peter.

God's timing can be funny. Sometimes our seasons feel dry, and we wonder when we'll drink again. Other times He blesses us with rich times of refreshing. We had a great discussion about His timing on Monday. I was struck by God's timing to heal this man in this passage. After this healing, a crowd gathered, and Peter explained things to them. And in 3:19, with the fully restored, healed man clinging to John and Peter out of joy, Peter says "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." The NASB says, "...in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." The
Message, "Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you..." While the restored man before them, Peter speaks of allowing God to refresh them. If you've been in a desert, remember God is a God of refreshing. His timing is funny, but He is a God who WILL bring refreshing, restoration, and healing. I pray that He will bless you this week w/ at least a taste of that refreshment, and I hope that you will be be immersed in His presence and encouragement.